A Home in Drayton Valley (41 page)

Staring into his grinning face, she spluttered, “W-why'd you go and do
that
?” She wriggled her shoulders, a feeble attempt to free herself.

His hands slipped to her shoulder blades, drawing her close. With her snug against his frame, he smiled down at her. A warm, tender, filled-with-promise smile that had an even greater effect on her senses than the kiss had. Which she hadn't thought possible.

“I'm not much of a man for words. It's hard for me to say what I feel.” His breath brushed her cheek, his palms roved her spine, and his eyes glowed with emotion. “But I don't
want you to go. That kiss was meant to say . . . stay.” His voice dropped to a throaty whisper. “Please, Tarsie. Stay.”

She gathered the remains of her courage and placed her palms flat against his chest. Depending on what he said next, she would either draw him near or push him away. “To be your children's caretaker?”

“To be my wife.” He brushed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Because I love you, Tarsie Raines.”

Gliding her hands upward, she wove her fingers through the thick hair at his temples and pressed her cheek to his chest. His heart beat in her ear, the steady thrum as comforting as a lullaby. “Yes, Joss. I'll stay.”

Tarsie married Joss a week later, with Ruth and Simon as their witnesses, in the yard at Tollison's place. Reverend Mann presided, and when he asked Joss if he would take Tarsie to be his wife, Joss's lips twitched teasingly as he proclaimed, “For sure I do.” Then he winked at Tarsie, filling her cheeks with enough heat to inspire a rosy glow that would last a year at least.

Tarsie scratched out the old date in her Bible's marriage record and penned the correct date above. Joss signed his name with a flourish, planting a kiss on Tarsie's lips immediately afterward with a whispered thank-you for teaching him to write it correctly. Mr. Tollison's cook, who'd cried copiously throughout the entire ceremony, set out a buffet that ensured no one would want food again until the next evening, and a lean, white-haired black man played the fiddle so they could all dance. The merrymaking went on until dark, and then they returned to the little house where, together, they tucked the children into bed and Joss prayed with them.

Listening to her husband pray with the children was the
most joyous moment of her life. Until they crept beneath the covers together and she discovered in a completely new way how much Joss loved her.

Sunday morning, Joss awakened her early with a gentle nuzzle behind her ear. “I'd like pancakes for breakfast before we leave for service.”

Tarsie giggled. “Then you'd best be fetchin' the eggs instead of tickling your wife.”

“Yes, ma'am,” he drawled.

Their morning passed quickly, with much laughter, and when the little hand on Mary's clock pointed to nine, they headed out their door in their nicest clothes. The early fall breeze was crisp but not cold, the air scented with smoke from cookstoves and nature. Tarsie breathed deeply, savoring the delicious scent of this Kansas September. She stopped to pluck up a particularly beautiful leaf that lay in her pathway, and Joss and the children kept going.

She straightened, poised to catch up, but then she paused, watching, as Emmy and Nathaniel each caught one of Joss's hands and the three fell into step together. They walked, hands swinging, Kansas sunlight glistening on one dark head and two blond ones, little feet skipping and Joss's larger boots moving purposefully. Guiding the children in a direct path to the church steps.

Tears flooded Tarsie's eyes, turning the sweet scene into a dreamlike vision made all the sweeter because it was real. “Oh, Mary,” she whispered, joy and grief exploding in one rush of emotion through her heart, “how I wish you were here to be witnessin' this miraculous sight.” Then peace eased its way through her frame. She aimed her gaze to the endless blue sky above. “You know, don't you? Somehow, you know . . .” She turned her attention back to Joss and the children in time to see them stop at the bottom of the steps.

Joss looked over his shoulder. An endearing smile curved
his lips. “Are you comin'?” He and Emmy dropped hands, each extending their palms toward her in invitation.

A bubble of joy rose from Tarsie's chest and erupted as a giggle. She nodded. Then, with a prayer of thankfulness filling her heart, she joined her family.

To
Mom, Daddy, Don, my girls, and my precious grandchildren
—Thank you for your support and encouragement. I could not meet the demands of this ministry without your assistance.

To my mom-in-love,
Shirley Sawyer
—This was the first manuscript completed without a phone call from you asking “How's the writing going?” I missed that, but I suspect you're marching around heaven telling everybody about my books, just like you did down here. Thanks for always being one of my best encouragers.

To my wonderful critique partners,
Eileen, Connie, Margie, Darlene, and Donna
—Thank you for your suggestions, your prayers, your cheers, and especially your friendship. What would I do without you?

To my choir and church family—There are too many of you to list, but you know who you are. Your prayers and
encouragement are so precious to me. When I am weak, you hold up my arms. I appreciate you more than you know.

To my traveling buddy,
Beverly
—Thanks for making that trip to the far corner of Kansas. The day was hot, windy, and
long
, but I had such fun and it helped so much. I appreciate your willingness to accompany me.

To my editor,
Charlene,
and all the wonderful folks at Bethany—What a delightful journey we've had together. I am so grateful to be a member of this publishing house and to partner with you in the ministry of my heart.

Finally, and most importantly, to
God
—You fill me in every way, meet my every need, and hold me in Your capable arms. Thank You for working in and through me. May any praise or glory be reflected directly back to You.

Kim Vogel Sawyer
is the bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have sold more than one million copies. She has won the Carol Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. Learn more at

www.kimvogelsawyer.com

writespassage.blogspot.com

F
ROM
B
ETHANY
H
OUSE
P
UBLISHERS

Waiting for Summer's Return

Where the Heart Leads

My Heart Remembers

In Every Heartbeat

Where Willows Grow

A Promise for Spring

Fields of Grace

A Hopeful Heart

Courting Miss Amsel

A Whisper of Peace

Song of My Heart

When Hope Blossoms

A Home in Drayton Valley

Sweet Sanctuary

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